Former Pixar executive joins GSA as Commissioner of the Technology Transformation Service

October 27, 2016

Rob Cook is excited at the chance to spur innovation and help transform government

Washington -- Today the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that former Pixar executive Rob Cook has been selected as the Commissioner of the Technology Transformation Service (TTS).

“Rob is someone who has considerable experience both in delivering great technology and in building great organizations,” said Denise Roth, GSA’s Administrator. “I can’t think of a better or more qualified individual to take our emerging technology efforts at GSA to the next level.”

GSA created TTS earlier this year to help dramatically improve the technology of the federal government. Americans increasingly interact with vital services online and the job of TTS is to help agencies deliver digital products and services that are easy to use, efficient, effective and secure.

“I’m excited by the possibility of transforming the way the government interacts with people,” Mr. Cook said. “We need three things to succeed: first-rate technology expertise, effective relations with industry and great partners throughout government. Close collaboration with our agency colleagues is crucial to making this possibility a reality."

Cook will begin his appointment as the TTS Commissioner October 31, 2016.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rob Cook to the federal government. Rob's renowned experience, both as a software developer and in cultivating innovative teams throughout his career, are incredible additions to our long-term goal of enhancing the way government uses technology to deliver world-class services for citizens," said Tony Scott, U.S. Chief Information Officer.

Cook is a renowned engineer and inspiring business leader. He joined Pixar in 1981 when it was part of Lucasfilm, first as a researcher and eventually as the Vice President of Software Development. He was the co-architect and primary author of Pixar's RenderMan software, which was used in 19 of the last 20 films to win a Visual Effects Oscar. Cook has received numerous academic and industry awards, including the first Oscar awarded for software. He has been named to both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and to the National Academy of Engineering. His full biography is available here.

About GSA
The mission of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition and technology services to the government and the American people.